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''Thujopsis'' (pronounced "Thuyopsis") is a conifer in the cypress family (Cupressaceae), the sole member of the genus being ''Thujopsis dolabrata''. It is endemic to Japan, where it is named asunaro (あすなろ). It is similar to the closely related genus ''Thuja'' (Arborvitae), differing in the broader, thicker leaves and thick cones. It is also called hiba, false aborvitae, or hiba arborvitae. A popular allegory for the meaning behind ''asunaro'' is ''asu wa hinoki ni narou'' (明日はヒノキになろう, lit. tomorrow it will become a hinoki cypress, i.e. the tree looks like a smaller version of the common hinoki cypress). In Japan, other than being called asunaro, it also goes by the name ''hiba'' (ひば). There are also a few regional variations, with asunaro being called ''ate'' (貴, 阿天) in Ishikawa, and ''atebi'' on Sado island. Thujopsis is a medium to large evergreen tree, reaching up to 40 m tall and 1.5 m trunk diameter, with red-brown bark which peels in vertical strips. The leaves are arranged in decussate pairs, scale-like, 3–10 mm long, glossy green above, and marked with vivid white stomatal bands below; they have a distinctive thick, almost fleshy texture. The seed cones are ovoid, 7–15 mm long and 6–10 mm diameter, with 6-12 thick scales, brown with a violet-white wax bloom when fresh. There are two varieties: *''Thujopsis dolabrata'' var. ''dolabrata''. Central and southern Japan. Shoots less densely branched with slightly larger leaves, and strongly thickened cone scales. *''Thujopsis dolabrata'' var. ''hondai''. Northern Japan. Shoots more densely branched with slightly smaller leaves, and less thickened cone scales. ==Uses== The asunaro is a valued ornamental tree both in its native Japan, where it is commonly planted around temples as well as in gardens, and also in Europe and North America. In the latter two regions, planting is confined to areas with good rainfall or in gardens with reliable irrigation, as the species is not drought tolerant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 title=Thujopsis dolabrata AGM )〕 It is also used to a small extent in forestry in Japan, grown for the valuable wood, which is durable and scented, similar to that of ''Thuja plicata''. Image:Thujopsis dolabrata2.jpg|''Thujopsis dolabrata''; upper side of shoot, lower side of shoot, mature cones. 1 Euro coin for scale. Image:Thujopsis dolabrata1.jpg|''Thujopsis dolabrata'' foliage Image:Thujopsis dolabrata0.jpg|Young Asunaro plant 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Thujopsis」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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